Keeping your water heater in good shape prevents water damage and ensures you have access to hot water in your Michigan home. If you want to keep your water heater in good shape, then here’s what makes a healthy water heater.

Annual Flushing

The water that runs through your water heater has a little bit of sediment in it and builds up on the bottom of the tank over time. You can prevent sediment from building up too much by having your water heater flushed to remove the debris at least once a year. Allowing sediment to build up in your water heater can affect your water quality, but it can also lead to expensive restoration bills. Sediment can lead to corrosion over time, which can cause your water heater to leak and flood the closet or room where it’s located.

The Right Temperature

Keeping your water heater at the right temperature can also help prevent issues. Setting the wrong temperature won’t lead to expensive restoration bills, but it can affect your health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bacteria can grow in water that’s kept below 120 degrees Fahrenheit, so you should set your water heater to at least 120 degrees. Keep in mind that setting your water heater at temperatures above 140 degrees can lead to scalding.

Age

Water heaters don’t last forever. According to Water Damage Defense, 75% of water heaters fail before they make it to the 12-year mark. If your water heater is more than a decade old, then you should be keeping an eye on it at the very least. Replacing your old water heater is a great way to prevent flooding and other potential problems in your Michigan home.

A Fresh Sacrificial Anode

There’s a rod in your water heater called a sacrificial anode, and it essentially absorbs the brunt of the corrosion to protect your water heater tank. Replacing your anode rod is a good way to prevent corrosion, which is one of the major causes of flooding that water restoration companies deal with. You can prevent potential water damage from occurring in your home with this replacement.

Water heater problems are one of the leading causes of flooding in homes, so taking care of this unit is important. Routine maintenance and replacements can help you avoid major problems. If you have a leak that’s flooding your basement, closet, or bedroom, then call Hammer Restoration now for water restoration services.